5 Ways to Ensure a Comfortable Dental Cleaning Experience

You’ve put it off as long as you can. You’re worried it’s going to be painful and difficult. But you realize you can’t procrastinate anymore — it’s time to visit the dentist.

At Smile Design Manhattan in New York City, you needn’t worry about uncomfortable or painful appointments. Our team goes the extra mile for our patients, especially when we know they’re apprehensive about their visits.

Here are five ways we work with you to ensure a comfortable dental cleaning experience.

1. Communicate with your dentist

Your comfort starts with clear communication. If your appointment is causing you anxiety, let us know so we can take steps to alleviate your concerns.

If you have any special conditions we should know about, such as a sensitive spot in your mouth, please communicate that information so we can adjust our procedures as necessary.

2. Take your pain medication ahead of time

Taking an over-the-counter painkiller such as ibuprofen about an hour before your cleaning can help reduce any inflammation, and it can help you relax during the cleaning as well.

3. Take advantage of sedation dentistry

Ask us about our sedation dentistry options, which can help you feel more relaxed during your cleaning. 

Sedation comes in various forms, including laughing gas, oral medication, and intravenous sedation, but each method can calm your nerves to give you a much more comfortable experience.

4. Use the right toothpaste

There are dozens of toothpaste options, so pick the one that works best for you. If you have sensitive teeth, for instance, use a desensitizing toothpaste on your teeth and gums to make your daily cleanings more comfortable.

Also, practice proper oral hygiene at home — brush at least twice a day, floss at least once — to keep your teeth in good shape so your professional cleanings are easier.

5. Visit your dentist frequently

One of the best ways to improve dental appointments is to go more often! If you skip your regular cleanings, plaque and tartar build up, leading to more work and cleaning when you finally go.

This additional scraping and cleaning can irritate your gums and negatively affect your comfort level. The solution? Go to every scheduled dental appointment so each cleaning is a breeze.

The team at Smile Design Manhattan would love to make your dental cleaning experience much more comfortable. Take the first step today by calling our office in Midtown Manhattan to make an appointment or booking your visit online.